Ergonomic handle for push tools

ABSTRACT

An ergonomic handle for push tools. The handle is of conventional D-shaped configuration. The handle is oriented so that the plane of the handle is perpendicular to the width of the working member of the push tool.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/831,695, filed Jul. 19, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to hand tools. More specifically, the present invention is a push tool having a ergonomic handle.

2. Description of the Related Art

Push tools such as shovels and brooms conventionally employ D-shaped handles that are oriented in a manner that requires physical movement that is inefficient. Furthermore, the required movement exerts undue strain on the user's wrists, arms, back and shoulders. Ensuing muscle tiredness and aches are often severe enough to cause at least major discomfort and can result in immobilizing sprains and/or back aches. The art would certainly welcome an improved handle arrangement for push tools that would enhance efficiency and diminish the occurrence of muscle aches and strains. Thus an ergonomic handle for push tools solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an ergonomic handle for push tools. The handle is of conventional D-shaped configuration. However, unlike conventional arrangement, the handle is oriented so that the plane of the handle is perpendicular to the width of the working member of the push tool.

Accordingly, the invention presents an improved handle arrangement especially for push tools that enhances efficient use of the tools and diminishes the possibility of aches and injuries due to muscle strains. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.

A clear understanding of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of an ergonomic handle for push tools according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ergonomic handle for push tools according to the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Attention is directed to FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein a D-shaped handle 12 is positioned on one end the shaft 14 of a push tool. D-shaped handle 12 comprises an angular portion 16 and a gripping portion 18. Gripping portion 18 has a longitudinal axis 18 a and can be of pistol grip configuration. The second end of shaft 14 is attached to a working push member 20 having a working width W. Although illustrated as a broom and a shovel, it is evident that member 20 can take on other working push member forms (mops etc.). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the working member is a snow shovel blade having a radius of curvature as is conventional to allow a user to scoop and push snow. In FIG. 2, the working member is a broom having bristles extending along and coextensive with the width.

D-shaped handle 12 is oriented on shaft 14 such that the longitudinal axis 18 a of gripping portion 18 is perpendicular to a plane formed by the width W. This arrangement permits the user to position his/her hand in a more natural and comfortable position (see FIG. 1) to push the tool without twisting the tendons and muscles in the wrist and forearm. In turn, the stress on the shoulder and back muscles are diminished.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. 

1. An ergonomic handle for push tools, comprising: a shaft, said shaft having a first end and a second end; a D-shaped handle fixed to said first end of said shaft, said D-shaped handle having an angular portion and a gripping portion, said gripping portion having a longitudinal axis; a working push member, said working push member attached to said second end of said shaft, said working push member having a working width; wherein a plane formed by said longitudinal axis of said gripping member is perpendicular to a plane formed by said working width of said working push member.
 2. The ergonomic handle for push tools according to claim 1 wherein said working push member is a shovel.
 3. The ergonomic handle for push tools according to claim 1 wherein said working push member is a broom.
 4. An ergonomic handle for push tools, comprising: a shaft, said shaft having a first end and a second end; a D-shaped handle fixed to said first end of said shaft, said D-shaped handle having an angular portion and a gripping portion, said gripping portion having a longitudinal axis; a snow shovel attached to said second end of said shaft, said snow shovel having a blade, which blade has a radius of curvature and a working width; wherein a plane formed by said longitudinal axis of said gripping member is perpendicular to a plane formed by said working width of said snow shovel.
 5. An ergonomic handle for push tools, comprising: a shaft, said shaft having a first end and a second end; a D-shaped handle fixed to said first end of said shaft, said D-shaped handle having an angular portion and a gripping portion, said gripping portion having a longitudinal axis; a broom, said broom attached to said second end of said shaft, said broom having a working width; bristles extending along said working width of said broom, said bristles being coextensive with said working width; wherein a plane formed by said longitudinal axis of said gripping member is perpendicular to a plane formed by said working width of said broom. 